Maxwell was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican father and a Haitian mother.  Inspired by classic soul greats, Maxwell released his first album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, in 1996.  Initially ignored by critics and audiences alike, the album gained immediate popularity after the second single, Ascension, was released.

Maxwell

I didn't expect [my break from music] to be so long, but I can't tell you how great it was ... anonymity is a very special thing.

The Early Years

Maxwell was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican father and a Haitian mother.  Inspired by classic soul greats, Maxwell released his first album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, in 1996.  Initially ignored by critics and audiences alike, the album gained immediate popularity after the second single, Ascension, was released.  The album ultimately certified double platinum and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

In June of 1997, he taped an episode of MTV's Unplugged Concert Series.  He performed his own songs, as well as covers on songs by Kate Bush and Nine Inch Nails.  His label was unwilling to release it as an album, so it was released as an extend play recording.  The EP contained seven songs.

A Successful Career

In 1998, Maxwell's second album, Embrya, was released.  It sold over one million copies and certified platinum.  That year, he also recorded the single, Fortunate.  The single was written by R. Kelly and was contributed to the soundtrack for the film, Life.  Fortunate went on to become Maxwell's most successful hit.  His next album, Now, released in 2001, went to #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 chart and the Top R&B Album chart.  It included his hit single Lifetime and a studio version of Kate Bush's This Woman's Work.

After Now, Maxwell took a break for a few years.  In 2009, he returned to release BLACKsummer's Night.  The album was eagerly received and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200.  His single, Pretty Wings, debuted on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and he later performed the song on the 2009 BET Awards.  Pretty Wings is also available on iTunes for download.  Maxwell launched a European tour to support the album.

What's Next

When asked about his hiatus, Maxwell indicated that he had needed some time away from the competitive music industry, but there is no indication that he will be leaving again any time soon.  

He is currently on tour with artist Jill Scott.  Upon his return, fans hope to hear something about his next recording effort.  Maxwell has stated that BLACKsummer Night is the first part of a trilogy.

Over the course of his career so far, Maxwell has earned twelve Grammy nominations, winning awards for Best R&B Album in 2010 for  BLACKsummer Night, and Best R&B Song in 201 for Pretty Wings.  Additionally, he has been nominated for nine Soul Train awards, winning five.  He was nominated for five NAACP Image Awards in 2010, and was awarded Outstanding Male Artist.

Did you know . . .

1. Maxwell is the artist's middle name.  He chooses not to reveal his real name to protect his family's privacy.

2. Maxwell's first experiences singing was in his Baptist church choir.

3. Maxwell is believed to have played an important role in the development of the genre, neo-soul, or the “new soul.”

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